Future of the Dodges Ferry Recreation Centre
At its August meeting, Sorell Council agreed to start the formal process required under the Local Government Act to transfer ownership of the Dodges Ferry Recreation Centre (titles CT101072/1 & CT101072/3) (gymnasium) and kitchen facilities to the Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP).
This outcome reflects the strong and positive partnership between Council and DECYP, working together to get the best result for our community.
The transfer of the gym to DECYP will make the task of managing the day-to-day operations of the school easier.
Council’s ownership of these facilities was established many years ago, with the intention of ensuring the facility was available for the community to use outside of school hours. However, this has been challenging for Council and DECYP to manage in relation to operational and maintenance responsibilities. The proposed transfer will see DECYP (through the school) take over maintenance responsibilities for all these facilities.
Council has now commenced the statutory disposal process, with publicly advertising the transfer to ensure transparency and opportunity for community input. Part of this project is inviting objections to the disposal. All objections must be formally considered before a final decision can be made.
If the final decision is made to transfer the gym to DECYP, the facilities will continue to be made available for community use outside of school hours in accordance with DECYP’s Community Use of School Facilities Policy.
Importantly, having these facilities owned by DECYP will also allow them to be considered as part of developing the scope of works for the $25 million redevelopment of the school.
Submissions on the transfer of the asset are to be addressed to:
The General Manager, Sorell Council, email sorell.council@sorell.tas.gov.au or PO Box 126, Sorell TAS 7172, and must be received by close of business Monday 22 September 2025.
Following Council’s consideration of any submissions, a decision will be made on the proposed disposal of public land. All persons making a submission will be advised of Council’s decision.
